Mr. Speaker, there were festivities and accomplishments aplenty in Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle this summer.

I had the pleasure and honour of participating in dozens and dozens of events such as the grand opening of the Aqueduc promenade in LaSalle's Marie-Claire-Kirkland-Casgrain park and the new Duff-Court community market in Lachine, plus all of the celebrations in connection with Dorval's 125th anniversary, Lachine's 375th anniversary, and Canada's 150th anniversary.

Additionally, this summer the Department of Employment and Social Development's skills link program created dozens of jobs for young people in the riding, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change came to Lachine to announce our decade-long partnership with the Government of Quebec to ensure a healthy St. Lawrence River, and the Minister of Status of Women personally came to our open house to discuss the impact of poverty on women. I had a great summer, and I have a feeling that thanks to this government, summers in Dorval, Lachine, and LaSalle are only going to get better.

Mr. Speaker, today marks World Architecture Day. Architects make the framework of our lives and architects dream the future of where we live, work, and play. When architects dream well, their work becomes part of the story of our lives.

Preserving our built heritage benefits all Canadians. That is why I introduced Bill C-323, which would create a tax incentive for Canadians who restore and rehabilitate their heritage properties. This bill has the support of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, which said it was good news and an opportunity for all members of all political parties to support the retention of Canada's historic buildings.

Canadians care about outstanding architecture around them. We are worse off when magnificent buildings are demolished or neglected. We now have an opportunity to support Canadians working to preserve historic buildings so they can be enjoyed by generations to come.

On World Architecture Day, I encourage all members to help preserve our built heritage and support Bill C-323

Mr. Speaker, as the member of Parliament for one of Canada's most diverse ridings, I deeply appreciate the immense contributions that generations of Asian Canadians have made to our great country. In that spirit, I am proud to rise today in celebration of two wonderful events taking place on Parliament Hill this week.

This evening, I am pleased to welcome Korean Canadians from across Canada to a joint celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary and Korea's National Foundation Day. In addition, on Wednesday it will be my honour to co-host a mid-autumn festival on the Hill in celebration of the upcoming harvest.

World Habitat Day gives me yet another opportunity to bring Canada's housing situation to the fore. Although people say all the right things, the truth is that our record is abysmal. We are still waiting for details about the housing strategy, and it is clear that the money we should be spending to address this crisis now is not forthcoming.

The crisis is a fact, and it affects the most vulnerable members of our society: single-parent families, seniors, immigrants, and people with disabilities. Then there is the harsh reality of the indigenous households, namely that too many people are crammed into houses that are too small and not well suited to their lifestyle or the climate. What are the Liberals doing about this? They say we will not even see 90% of the new money until after 2019.

It is time to do something that will actually stop things from getting worse. It is time to recognize people's right to housing because a roof is a right.

A scientific broadcaster, engineer, and astronaut, Ms. Payette has always been very active in her community and has captivated the collective imagination of our nation. She is an inspiring woman who has shown leadership and dedicated her entire life to exploring and broadening her perspective.

I know that as Her Majesty's representative in Canada, she will continue to make us proud here at home and abroad.

I would also like to take a moment to thank the Right Hon. David Johnston for his exceptional service and for fulfilling his duties with such integrity and grace. I believe I speak for all members of this House in wishing him and his wife Sharon all the best as he moves on to other projects.

Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, I attended the 163rd opening of the Highgate Fair in the eastern part of my riding of Chatham-Kent—Leamington.

We enjoyed all one could expect from a great country fair, beginning with a great parade by parade marshal “Woody” McKillop, a pie auction, craft displays, old and new farm equipment, as well as farm animal showings by the local 4-H club. This was especially exciting for Faye and me as we watched our grandkids compete in the calf, beef, and rabbit competitions. All in all, the weather was great, the crowd was enthusiastic, and all the kids had a great time.

I say thanks to all the organizers and congratulations to the community of Highgate for putting on a terrific event. I look forward to next year and enjoying another wonderful day at the Highgate Fair.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Canada's chief science advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer. The entire Lebanese-Canadian community shares this honour with Dr. Nemer, who was born in Beirut.

Other women scientists originally from Lebanon have also made their mark. Dr. Jehane Dagher, a physiatrist at the Institut de réadaptation de Montréal and at the McGill University Health Centre, and her twin sister, Dr. Mona Harissi-Dagher, an ophthalmologist at the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, both deserve honorary mentions.

Their success is a testament to the dedication of their mother, Grace Dagher, a lawyer by training who successfully raised her five children out of the spotlight, despite the many challenges they faced after being forced to leave their war-ravaged homeland. Her unconditional love, strength of character, passion, self-sacrifice, and courage have made her a true source of inspiration.

As we observe Women's History Month, I invite all my colleagues to applaud these exceptional women. Long live science and long live Lebanon.

Mr. Speaker, October 1 was National Seniors Day, a day recognizing the invaluable contributions made by seniors to my riding and indeed to all ridings of those in this place. I rise today to celebrate the important contributions that they have made to the national discourse.

I would like to thank my colleague from Nickel Belt for the good work he is doing by putting forward his motion calling on the government to take action to improve the quality of life of Canadian seniors.

I look forward to welcoming him to Tobique—Mactaquac and invite seniors living in my riding to join us with a robust dialogue.

The province of New Brunswick has the oldest population in Canada, making it increasingly important to ensure that seniors and their families have access to the information, key services, and programs available in their communities. On Wednesday, October 11, my office is partnering with New Brunswick Wellness and the New Brunswick Wellness Network to hold a seniors round table and a healthy living and aging well expo. All constituents are encouraged to attend, participate in the round table, and learn about the resources and services available to seniors in our area

Mr. Speaker, on September 10, I had the honour of attending Canada's Walk of Hope for ovarian cancer along Highway 60 near Saskatoon.

Striving for early detection was the theme of the walk. More research needs to be done so that methods of early detection of ovarian cancer can be developed. Unfortunately, there is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. Two of my friends, Brenda from Cudworth and Denise from Saskatoon, have each lost their battle with ovarian cancer, and I do miss both of them.

If people have any signs and symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer, they should please talk to their physicians. Even though close to 3,000 women in Canada are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year, only 2% of donations for cancer are directed toward this disease. In the competition for research dollars, it is one disease that is sometimes overlooked.

Ovarian Cancer Canada welcomes volunteers and financial support. Please visit ovariancanada.org today to donate and get involved and support friends and family who have struggled against this tragic illness.

Mr. Speaker, as a cancer survivor myself, I know the importance of remembering that this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Let us pause to remember all of the mothers and daughters, sisters and friends who have lost their lives to this terrible disease, but let us also celebrate the great strides in detection, prevention, and treatment that have been made in the past decades. As with all cancers, early detection is essential to maximizing the chances of survival. I believe that early detection just simply saved my life.

Those who have a mother or a sister should encourage them to do regular screening. Those who employ women should ensure they have the time and opportunity to be screened. Let us do everything we can to ensure that fewer women succumb to breast cancer while scientists continue to search for a cure.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I stand to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence. All Canadians were shocked and saddened to hear about what happened in Edmonton and Las Vegas this weekend.

It is often too easy to forget that these horrible attacks and tragedies can happen here: “not in my community, not it my backyard”.

Each of us stands with our friends in Edmonton and the United States. Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and friends of those who were killed and injured and those affected by these senseless acts of violence.

We are grateful to the first responders and the authorities, who continue to work in our communities when faced with unspeakable tragedy. On this sad occasion, let everyone in this chamber and across our great country commit to reaffirming the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence and a desire to secure a culture of peace, acceptance, and understanding.

Mr. Speaker, today we share the profound grief of families in the United States and Canada following the horrific and senseless shootings in Las Vegas last night.

As information continues to come in, we are learning about Canadians who were involved in this tragic event. Families are feeling the immense loss of losing loved ones, including Canadian families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. Many more families are facing injuries to loved ones. Such senseless violence leaves the entire world in disbelief.

Two of my constituents were in Las Vegas at the concert when the attack began. I am shocked and saddened to learn that Jody Ansell and Jan Lambourne were shot during the horrific attack in Las Vegas last night. Jan is a friend of mine. Both are being treated for their wounds, and we are all pulling for them.

I want to extend my gratitude to all the first responders for doing everything in their power to bring the attack to an end and for assisting the victims. As we mourn for the victims and their families, all Canadians will come together to denounce this callous act of violence.

On behalf of the loyal opposition, and indeed all parliamentarians, I want to offer sincere condolences to all families impacted by this senseless act.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my distinguished colleague for his excellent words.

It is with great sadness that I rise today to speak to the horrific events that occurred over the weekend. On Saturday night, Canadians were left reeling after a terrorist attack in Edmonton, which left five injured. On Sunday night, an attack, hate-provoked, at a music concert in Las Vegas, left 50 people dead and hundreds injured.

These violent attacks against innocent people were heinous, unprovoked, and appalling. I join all members of this House in offering thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. Our condolences and thoughts are with all those affected. Global Affairs Canada is following up on reports of Canadian victims.

All Canadians stand together against the hate behind these attacks. We will not let it divide us.

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to congratulate the newly elected Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, Mr. Jagmeet Singh.

This historic victory is very exciting for our caucus and for New Democrats across this country. As the new leader, Jagmeet brings with him a strong sense of renewal and momentum for our party. He also brings his many years of experience fighting against discrimination and inequality. Jagmeet is going to lead the NDP's work to build a more inclusive Canada, one that lifts everyone up, not just the few at the top.

I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of the other three leadership candidates. They effectively promoted new and exciting ideas to help build a better country. Canadians everywhere will benefit from these real progressive values. The NDP is a strong team in the House and we are excited to work with our new leader Jagmeet Singh.

Mr. Speaker, Saturday evening, the people of Edmonton were subjected to a cowardly act of terror. Above all else, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this attack and their loved ones.

Canada is regarded as a nation of peace. When that peace is shattered, as it was in Edmonton this weekend, the effects are felt right across the country. Often we feel outrage at an attack on our fellow citizens, but instead of focusing on anger, we must focus on our strength. Our strength as a nation is that everyone is free to live and worship as they choose.

If anyone needs a model of strength to look to for inspiration, look no further than the great city of Edmonton, and especially its first responders. These women and men put the safety of the public before their own, and there is no telling how many lives they saved on Saturday evening.

Canada is not immune to the threat of global terror, but we can, and we must, face it head on, and we will.

Mr. Speaker, all Canadians stand with the city of Edmonton in the wake of the terrorist attack committed on Saturday. Everyone across the country, and certainly everyone in this House, is thinking of the injured and of their loved ones. We hope for their full and speedy recovery. We are also grateful to the first responders, who answered the call, as they always do, with courage and dedication, and to those who have been working ever since to ensure that everyone is safe.

This vicious act of terror has left us devastated and outraged, but not intimated, and certainly not divided. Canadians will support each other and overcome this tragedy together. We know that we must remain forever vigilant against hate and extremism, just as we remain united in our unshakable determination to make this country, more than ever, a shining example of openness, inclusion, and strength through diversity.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were shocked and saddened to learn of the terrorist attack in Edmonton this weekend.

Canadians were shocked, outraged, and saddened by the attack in Edmonton in which an ISIS-inspired individual injured several people, including a brave police officer. Terrorist ideologies have no place in our great country. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those who were injured. We all wish them a speedy recovery.

Can the minister update the House on how the government is responding to this incident, and will he join us in sending our deepest condolences to all those who were injured?

Ralph GoodaleLiberalMinister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Mr. Speaker, we are all appalled by the terror attack in Edmonton over the weekend. All Canadians totally condemn such horrible violence. Our thoughts and prayers are indeed with the five victims who were injured. Three have already been released from hospital; two are still in care.

The police investigation is still early but vigorously ongoing, led by the RCMP in close collaboration with the Edmonton city police. As was said by the Prime Minister, Premier Notley, Mayor Iveson, RCMP acting Commissioner Dubeau, and Edmonton Police Chief Knecht, and many members in this House today, we will not allow this to divide us, and we will not be intimidated.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are also shocked and disturbed by what appears to be the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. Last night over 50 people were killed and another 500 injured by a shooting on the Las Vegas strip. Reports indicate that at least two Canadians, a 28-year-old woman from Alberta and a 23-year-old man from British Columbia, were killed in this despicable act of terrorism.

Can the Prime Minister please provide an update to the House on how the government has responded and on what consular assistance has been offered to Canadians visiting Las Vegas at this time?

Mr. Speaker, Canada strongly condemns the horrific attack that took place in Las Vegas that killed and injured so many innocent people. Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of those killed. I am very sad to confirm that at least one Canadian was among those killed. Canadian consular officials are working closely with U.S. authorities to identify and help any other Canadians hurt by this dreadful attack. If any Canadians listening are aware of friends and family who may be harmed or caught up in the attack, please do get in touch with Global Affairs immediately.

I think I can say for all members of this House that Canada stands with the United States and with the American people following this terrible attack.

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals' so-called consultations on the unfair tax increases end today. It is clear that the Liberals had no interest in listening to farmers and small-business owners or the consultations would not have been held in the middle of summer. Provincial and territorial premiers arrive in Ottawa tomorrow and many are calling on the Prime Minister to extend the consultations.

Will the Prime Minister heed the advice of his counterparts and finally listen to Canadians' concerns and extend the consultations?

Mr. Speaker, we know that it is very important to have a fair tax system. We also know that it is very important to listen. That is why we took the opportunity over the past two months or more to hear from Canadians across the country, to listen and see how we might facilitate our changes in the best way possible. We listened and we will continue to implement our measures and the important elements that came out of the consultations.

Mr. Speaker, the finance minister has not listened to the concerns of thousands of Canadians who are worried about the future of their small family businesses. Meanwhile, Morneau Shepell sells private pension plans to those who would be affected by this tax increase. This is not only a conflict of interest; it is also an insult to Canadians. When will the finance minister listen and lower taxes for small businesses?

Mr. Speaker, we want to make sure that we move forward to ensure that our tax system is fair for the long term. We know that as we do that, we have to come forward with measures, as we have done, and listen to Canadians to make sure that we are actually having the desired impact. I can assure this House and I can assure Canadians that we have been out listening, that we will take their considerations into our deliberations, and that we will move forward to make sure that the system is fair and do it in a way that does not impact people inappropriately.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance did not listen to business owners across the country who are worried about their businesses. Meanwhile, Morneau Shepell is selling private insurance plans to people who will be affected by this botched reform.

This is a conflict of interest, and I think that Canadians expect more from the Minister of Finance. He is effectively insulting them.

When will the Minister of Finance finally understand and stop putting Canada in debt and taxing small businesses at the expense of their future growth?